St. Louis blasts four HRs in spring training rout of Mets

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- Randal Grichuk and Brandon Moss each hit two-run home runs and drove in four runs apiece to help the St. Louis Cardinals beat the New York Mets 14-9 in exhibition play Saturday.

Grichuk was 3 for 4, and Moss went 2 for 3.

Carson Kelly and Jacob Wilson also homered for the Cardinals. Kevin Plawecki hit a two-run home run for the Mets.

Cardinals starter Tyler Lyons allowed four runs, two earned, and five hits over two innings. Mets starter Bartolo Colon gave up four runs and six hits over 3 2/3 innings.

Mets reliever Stolmy Pimentel was ejected after hitting two Cardinals in a span of three hitters. Pimentel gave up four runs in a third of an inning, including a pair of home runs.

Starting time

Lyons made eight starts for St. Louis last season, but it's possible he will not make another start this spring.

"It will be a little more difficult after today," manager Mike Matheny said. "If someone needs a day for whatever reason, we can throw him in there. That's kind of how we went in to this spring -- wanting everyone to compete, but realizing we have some good options of guys who could step in for us."

Trainer's room

Stephen Piscotty left the game after Pimentel hit him in the left elbow. Piscotty said he could move it, but would have precautionary X-rays Saturday.

You're outta here

Pimentel was ejected after hitting two Cardinals batters in the sixth inning. After giving up a home run to Carson Kelly and a double to Kolten Wong, Pimentel hit Piscotty. Grichuk followed with a two-run home run and Pimentel hit the next batter, Jonathan Rodriguez. Home plate umpire Angel Hernandez immediately tossed Pimentel.

Up next

Right-hander Michael Wacha starts for the Cardinals against Max Scherzer and the Nationals in Viera today.